Chill & Spill Journal

Tell Me About It

"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - Christopher Robin

Chill & Spill is a therapeutic guided journal designed to help pre-teens and teens articulate and transform difficult issues they are dealing with into creative, healthy expression and emotional growth.

It offers a combination of 20 writing and artistic activities with 200 blank pages to explore both head and heart and to talk, yell, cry, boast, dream and evolve. Each of the 20 guided pages was illustrated by different award-winning artists, whose age-appropriate work you may recognize from MTV, Rolling Stone, Sony Music, Starbucks, ESPN and more.

Whether you're mad at your parents, dealing with loss, have a new crush, fighting with your friends, feeling down about school, confused about your changing emotions and body, or just need to vent, this book will give a safe place to release your emotions without ever being embarrassed.

This journal was a gift for my god-daughter (12yrs). I found it to be so creative and stimulating, with questions both personal and applicable to every kid who is figuring themselves out while...Read complete review

This journal was a gift for my god-daughter (12yrs). I found it to be so creative and stimulating, with questions both personal and applicable to every kid who is figuring themselves out while trying to fit in with the rest of the world. Fun questions, fun drawings... it's a fun way to discover yourself in a therapeutic way. I would highly recommend this as a gift or a tool for anyone who may or may not necessarily fit the mold.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

Ugh. Disappointing

First, this is just unattractive on the outside (I know it accurately reflects the artwork, so my bad). I had purchased two based on reviews here and elsewhere, but started having second...Read complete review

First, this is just unattractive on the outside (I know it accurately reflects the artwork, so my bad). I had purchased two based on reviews here and elsewhere, but started having second thoughts since these softcover books come sealed and I had no idea what was inside. So I opened it. Honestly, this seems like something you'd give a very troubled teen in therapy. There are various sections (15?) followed by 3 - 10 blank pages for writing or drawing. The paper inside is nice. The sections are colorful with foldout pages and sometimes bizarre artwork.

Therapy seems to be what this journal is intended for; on the cover page, it reads "We are on a mission to help children and teens overcome trauma through creative expression and turn pain into possibility. The need for our therapy-based books is driven by the millions of kids experiencing hardship every day. Research has shown that expressive creative outlets spark inner strength and allow youth to thrive, despite overwhelming challenges in their lives."

There is a purpose for this, no doubt, but it's not a low-key lighthearted examination into self or an appropriate gift for young artists and doodlers, as I expected.

First, this is just unattractive on the outside (I know it accurately reflects the artwork, so my bad). I had purchased two based on reviews here and elsewhere, but started having second thoughts since these softcover books come sealed and I had no idea what was inside. So I opened it. Honestly, this seems like something you'd give a very troubled teen in therapy. There are various sections (15?) followed by 3 - 10 blank pages for writing or drawing. The paper inside is nice. The sections are colorful with foldout pages and sometimes bizarre artwork.

Therapy seems to be what this journal is intended for; on the cover page, it reads "We are on a mission to help children and teens overcome trauma through creative expression and turn pain into possibility. The need for our therapy-based books is driven by the millions of kids experiencing hardship every day. Research has shown that expressive creative outlets spark inner strength and allow youth to thrive, despite overwhelming challenges in their lives."

There is a purpose for this, no doubt, but it's not a low-key lighthearted examination into self or an appropriate gift for young artists and doodlers, as I expected.

Was this a gift?:

Yes

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

Merchant response:It sounds like the book wasn’t the right match for the teens in your life. We tried to describe it as fully as we could in the product description, but we’re not always perfect writers! You may return any item you’re unsatisfied with, and we see that you’ve already sent it back to us. Thank you for providing your review and feedback.

*I use this journal for pre-teens and teens in the hospital setting. *The pictures are colorful and the activities are engaging.*This journal plays a huge role in helping them to overcome personal and medical stressors. *I highly recommend the journal for personal use or as a therapeutic tool when working with older kids or teens. It has been well worth the money and has paid for itself over and over. You will not be disappointed!

I purchased this gift for my niece who is about to transition to middle school. With the changes that come with this type of transition, and the recent attention to issues with bullying, I gave it to her with the intent of helping her to express her feelings, thoughts, and fears during what could be a challenging time.

Bought as gift for pre-teen niece who has been having personal struggles and is going to formal therapy. This is an excellent gift for ANY older child or teenager. My niece loved it! This will let her dig deep into who she is and who she still wants to become.

I am giving this as a Valentine gift to my granddaughter and I am sure she will use it as a sounding board for the good and not-so-good things, people and events she experiences.I think it is a wonderful idea to give space for the doodles and/or drawings that may help with self-expression.